Cosentyx shows encouraging results versus Humira from first-of-its-kind head-to-head trial in psoriatic arthritis.-Novartis

Novartis, announced results from the EXCEED head-to-head trial comparing Cosentyx (secukinumab) to Humira (adalimumab) in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). While Cosentyx narrowly missed statistical significance for superiority in ACR 20, the primary endpoint of the EXCEED trial, it showed numerically higher results versus Humira. Statistically significant advantages of Cosentyx versus Humira in PsA-specific endpoints were observed in a pre-specified sensitivity analysis.

The trial demonstrated a consistent and favorable safety profile for Cosentyx in line with previous clinical trials. No new safety signals were detected.

�These data will be welcomed by patients and clinicians to guide clinical decision making and highlight secukinumab as a viable option as a first-line biologic for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis,� said Iain McInnes, Professor of Rheumatology, University of Glasgow and an investigator in the secukinumab clinical trial program.

�EXCEED is the first ever monotherapy head-to-head trial with a primary endpoint in psoriatic arthritis specific to joints.� said Eric Hughes, Global Development Unit Head, Immunology, Hepatology & Dermatology. �Novartis continues to reimagine care for patients and advance science in rheumatology. We will assess the EXCEED data in their totality and we view the results as confirming our vision of Cosentyx becoming standard of care in psoriatic arthritis.� Detailed data is planned to be presented at a future scientific congress.

Cosentyx is the only biologic with proven efficacy in all key manifestations of psoriatic arthritis and is backed by 5-year sustained efficacy and consistent safety data across psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis. To date, over 250,000 patients have been treated worldwide.